Explain three possible emotional consequences of a person who has been subjected to violent crime

Repetitive thoughts of the event: When an individual experiences a traumatic event, they may experience intrusive thoughts. For example, they may remember the attacker’s face quite vividly or have recurring images of the violence witnessed during the event.

Depression or mood swings: Crime and any type of trauma can have a devastating impact on one’s mental health. Following the crime, many may experience a wide range of emotions which could lead to mood swings and sometimes even depression. If you are experiencing difficulty processing these emotions or if you are suffering from depression, it is advisable to consult a mental health professional.

Fearfulness and anxiety: Due to the usually intense levels of fear experienced during a crime, individuals may be left hyperaware and anxious of their surroundings. They may jump when hearing a loud sound and may be constantly fearful that the crime could occur again.

Although many individuals differ, it is perfectly normal to suffer from post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD) if you have been a victim of or a witness to a crime. If you are struggling with the after-effects or think you may be suffering from PTSD, it is advisable to contact a mental health professional. The earlier the symptoms are addressed, the easier it will be to move on from the event and experience a more full life.

You may feel shocked, fearful or angry.

A common reaction is feeling numb and having trouble believing that this has happened to you.

Your emotional and physical health

Experiencing a range of emotions is a normal part of being affected by a crime. In most cases, they are temporary, and you will recover in the days, weeks or months following the incident with the support of friends and family.

You might experience:

• headaches
• nausea
• sleep problems or fatigue
• jumpiness
• repeated thoughts of the event.

Or you might have feelings that come and go, like:

• guilt
• fear
• anger
• sadness
• confusion
• helplessness.

Your day-to-day life might be affected by:

• trouble with your concentration or memory
• reduced performance at work or school
• withdrawing from others
• feeling like you’ve lost control.

But sometimes the recovery process is more difficult. Some people experience depression or anxiety, and related ongoing physical effects. It is important to seek professional help if you think that this may be happening.  Doing this early can help you recover more quickly.

Your recovery

This video:

• explains how your brain and body worked together at the time of the event
• explains some of the feelings you may be experiencing
• gives tips to help you in your recovery.

• talk about how you feel with someone you trust
• structure your life as much as possible
• accept that you may have good days and bad days
• eat regularly and nutritiously
• make sure you get physical exercise
• limit your alcohol and drug use
• keep a journal of how you feel each day
• defer major life decisions
• be kind and gentle with yourself.

Dealing with the justice system

After a crime has happened, you may feel uncertain about what to do next or concerned about what will happen once the crime is reported. It can also be difficult to take in and remember new information that police or other services give you.

You can use this website to learn more about:

When you talk to police, prosecutors and victims services, you can ask questions about anything you are unsure about. Some people find it helpful to have a family member or friend act as a support person who can:

• be with you and provide emotional support
• help you collect and remember information you need to know
• give you a hand with any practical arrangements you need to make.

Getting help

You can learn more about assistance available in Victoria for people affected by crimes on this website.

Counselling and crisis support services

Lifeline

24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Open 24 hours, every day
Call 13 11 14
Website lifeline.org.au (External link)

Mental health care plan – see your General Practitioner

If you need assistance, you can see a General Practitioner and discuss your situation. You may be eligible for a mental health care plan that will assist with the cost of counselling.

A crime is usually always a surprise, and all its consequences cannot be prepared for. In addition to physical and economic consequences, the victim of violence often experiences psychological and social consequences – especially in case of a violent crime.

Reacting to a crime is normal. The person’s own history, life situation, energy resources and method of dealing with the events influence the reaction. Strong emotions are also brought on by the idea of what could have happened. For some people, an experience of crime may cause slight harm, for others it can be a very tragic experience that leads to a traumatic crisis.

Feelings of insecurity, fear and anxiety are common. A person suddenly end up in a situation they did not believe would happen to them. An experience of crime may feel unreal and like a nightmare. Anxiety takes over an unnecessary amount of the mind, causes pain and the sense of worthlessness. Guilt and shame are intertwined.

It is very common that the victim feels guilty about what has happened and believes to have caused or enabled the crime. Usual thoughts might be: “If I hadn’t annoyed him/her…”, “If I hadn’t gone there…”. “. The sense of shame may prevent the victim from telling anyone about his/her situation. The sense of shame is difficult to control. Although your mind says that what has happened is not your fault, the shame does not go away. To protect oneself from these emotions, the victim may use defence mechanisms. Denying the experience is one example of the psyche’s methods to ease pain.

The victim of crime may suffer from depression, eating disorders or self-destructive behaviour. Suicidal thoughts and attempts may be possible, in the same way as the use of alcohol and/or drugs. The thought of the pain easing over time does not always bring comfort, because after a traumatic experience the person may not always have the ability to shape the future. The victim may feel powerless and isolated, in which case normal, everyday discussions are not of any interest. Emotions of anger, aggression, depression and anguish may vary and resentment or revenge may “poison the mind”.

Due to the traumatic experience, the victim’s ability to think and act rationally may weaken, in which case understanding any information provided may prove more difficult. Procedures may be forgotten or they are remembered wrong. Behaviour may also not always be in their own interest. For example, a victim of sexual violence may take a shower immediately, even though he/she has heard that washing should be avoided before seeing a doctor.

Memories related to the crime may also be confusing or the victim does not remember nearly anything about what has happened. A shocking event may paralyse performance partially or completely. The ability to concentrate and the interest in normal everyday tasks can weaken, let alone demanding study or work activities.

It is important that the victim of crime gets help as soon as possible. It is common that during the first few days after the crime, the experience does not feel like much. Shock protects the human mind from stressful emotions.

The copying process progresses better and quicker, if the victim has an opportunity to talk about his/her experiences and the emotions it has caused. For others, addressing the topic by reading, being outside or listening to music may also offer help. The help of loved ones and a possible support person may also be beneficial – both psychosocially as well as in handling practical matters.

Support persons can be requested by submitting a contact request to Victim Support Finland or by calling your local service point.

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